Business Development Manager — Post-Consumer Recyclable Plastics
Be part of something special. Join Vanden.
Vanden is a global plastics recycling business with operations across Europe, Asia, and the USA. Since 2005, we've built a strong international trading network and long-term partnerships with collectors, processors, and manufacturers — helping turn plastic waste into valuable, high-quality commodities.
We're now looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to develop strategic partnerships across the post-consumer plastics supply chain and secure long-term commercial agreements with major industry players.
About the Role
In this role, you will build strong relationships with collectors, sorters (MRFs & PRFs), and re-processors handling post-consumer plastics, developing recurring revenue streams through secure supply and purchase agreements.
You'll identify opportunities, shape commercial strategies, and work collaboratively with global teams to integrate Vanden's service and value proposition into key customer operations.
Success in this role requires a disciplined approach to relationship management, excellent negotiation capability, and the ability to manage multiple opportunities and stakeholder relationships simultaneously in a fast-moving environment.
This role is suited to an experienced commercial or business development professional with a proven track record of closing long-term deals with large clients.
What You'll Do
Business Development & Partnerships
* Identify, develop, and execute long-term purchase and sales agreements for post-consumer plastics
* Build strategic relationships with large key clients and industry partners
* Conduct research, outreach, networking, and market engagement across industry channels
* Enhance existing supplier and customer relationships to increase volumes and margins
* Carry out site visits to assess material suitability and quality requirements
* Actively manage commercial and operational risk in collaboration with internal teams
Commercial Delivery & Market Engagement
* Use effective negotiation strategies to overcome objections and secure deals
* Stay up-to-date on market activity, competitor movements, and pricing trends
* Share customer feedback and market insights with internal stakeholders
* Contribute to process improvements that strengthen sales operations
Reporting & CRM
* Maintain accurate CRM records of all customer and supplier activity
* Produce regular market and activity reports for leadership
* Support development of standard operating procedures to improve workflow
What We're Looking For
Experience & Background
* Significant experience in Sales or Business Development, ideally in:
o post-consumer plastics, recycling, waste management, or commodities trading
o or selling into large industrial or manufacturing organisations
* Proven success developing major accounts and securing long-term agreements
* Strong experience managing complex negotiations
* Track record in both new business and account development
* Experience using CRM systems and managing structured sales pipelines
* Self-driven, commercially minded, and results-focused
Skills & Capabilities
* Able to build rapport at senior stakeholder levels
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking ability
* Excellent negotiation and communication skills
* Highly organised with strong time-management discipline
* Able to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously
* Comfortable working collaboratively across global teams
* Confident presenting and communicating in writing and in person
* Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)